The softer Moonee Valley surface was the priority for Mornington trainer Lyn Tolson when deciding to run smart filly Sassy Tycoon in Saturday's Jeep Hold Back Handicap.

Sassy Tycoon impressed when leading throughout at Moonee Valley on December 13 but Tolson decided to take on older mares again at the track rather than finding a three-year-old race at a different venue.

Tolson said Sassy Tycoon's different work routine meant the forgiving Moonee Valley course was the best place to race the three-year-old at this stage of her career.

"I suppose we are trying to look after her and we are looking at the tracks more than the race," Tolson said.

"She does a lot of beach work, which keeps the weight off her legs and we can get the fitness into her that way.

"It (Moonee Valley) is just a little bit more forgiving than Moonee Valley and Caulfield."

Drawing barrier 13 has complicated Sassy Tycoon's task but Tolson said the daughter of Written Tycoon could settle behind the leaders instead of leading, which she had done at her three previous starts.

"Naturally, she is going to have to a little bit early to get across and then we'll have to wait and see from there," Tolson said.

"She's such a sensible horse to ride in her trackwork, we think she'll be able to settle off them."

Stephen Baster will replace Michael Walker, who is spending time with family in New Zealand, aboard Sassy Tycoon.